Benefits of Reflexology

Benefits of Massage

Benefits of Reflexology

Life can be stressful. But there are many benefits of reflexology that you should know about. Often times you need more than a serious back and shoulder massage. Another option to try is reflexology. There are countless benefits of the application of pressure to certain reflex points on your feet (and hands and head!) Here are some of the

The benefits of reflexology:

Reflexology Instantly relaxes muscles.

One of the benefits of Reflexology is that it stimulates thousands of nerve endings in the feet. Massaging specific points under the soles of your feet can bring about a tingling and the tension being lifted from your body. Muscles are often strained from bad posture, repetitive movements, or even from being overweight and carrying around a few extra pounds. In several cases, the muscle ache is severe enough to cause temporary disability. While you may initially opt to taking medication to help alleviate the sore muscles, the pain typically resurfaces once the painkiller wears off. During regular reflexology sessions, the results are immediate and longstanding; unlike toxin-filled medicine, reflexology has no side effects! It’s a natural, holistic approach to relieving muscle strain.

Reflexology Improves flexibility and range of motion.

As one ages without purposefully working out and staying in a perpetual flow of ongoing movement, joints can tighten, muscles can become weaker, and range of motion can get diminished. Add to that a sedentary lifestyle, and muscle stimulation becomes reduced ~ further limiting natural stretching ability. Relaxed muscles improve flexibility and range of motion by allowing ligaments to stretch. Dancers and athletes use reflexology to relax their muscles, thereby promoting flexibility and a wider range of motion. Reflexology targets specific nerves which, in turn, helps unblock locked channels in the body. This not only enhances athletic performance but also helps prevent injuries while performing everyday activities.

Reflexology reduces stress.

This is the most obvious benefit of reflexology. Stress reduction is achieved by specifically massaging key nerves in the feet with firm, yet painless repetitive motions, to relax the muscles. This removes pressure caused by stress and also helps clear the mind, leaving you feeling calm and de-stressed. Reflexology promotes a serene mental balance by relaxing the nervous system. The foot massage releases “feel good” hormones in the brain creating a sense of contentment and overall well-being.

Reflexology Improves circulation.

Reflexology, similar to massage, improves circulation by increasing the flow of blood. Specific nerves in the feet are stimulated to increase the heart function. In turn, the heart pumps more efficiently thereby increasing the supply of blood to the arteries. It also increases the flow of blood in veins, which are able to return deoxygenated blood to the heart. Increasing the rate of circulation results in improved oxygen supply to vital organs such as the kidneys and the brain, which consequently improves the function of the renal and central nervous system, among other physical benefits.

Reflexology Improves the immune system.

Reflexology is proven to improve the bodies cytotoxic capacity, thereby promoting a better immune system. Reflexology also increases the body’s natural killer cells and helps fight bacteria and infection by naturally enhancing the body’s ability to nourish important organs.

Stimulates nerve function.

Human feet contain 26 bones, 33 joints, and a network of over 100 tendons connected to thousands of nerves. Reflexology stimulates more than 7000 nerves in the feet ~ wonderfully encouraging the opening and clearing of neural pathways. Traditionally, Chinese therapists attributed the stimulation of nerves through acupuncture and (even Qi Gong practice) to removal of bad chi; Western civilization suggests the removal of toxins as the stimulating factor. Both are right. Nerves transmit impulses to the brain and relay responses to organs. A stimulated nerve function encourages optimized nervous function leading to more agile responses.

Reflexology reduces pain.

Reflexology can be effectively used to reduce pain. It has long been used to treat pain caused by arthritis, migraine, and fibromyalgia. It is also medically recommended to help cope with both post-operative surgical rehabilitation and rehabilitation after an injury. Cancer patients find reflexology sessions profoundly help treat chemotherapy-induced nausea. Women in labor or those who experience severe menstrual cramps also attest to reduced pain due to this technique. Lastly, reflexology has been effective in treating patients with chronic back and neck pains.

Reflexology Increases energy.

Who would love some extra natural energy to enjoy your work and personal life? Reflexology improves body and neural functions, which allows the system to perform at optimal capacity. A relaxed and stress-free individual is naturally more energetic and can perform better. When one’s energy is boosted, it makes it easier (and more fun) to work and play harder. Reflexology will enable you to experience a renewed, rejuvenated, refreshed, and invigorated spirit that will promote an active lifestyle.

If you’d like to experience the benefit of Reflexology yourself, you can find highly rated reflexoligists in your area using the MassageBook directory